masticatory

[ mas-ti-kuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

/ ˈmæs tɪ kəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

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adjective

of, relating to, or used in or for mastication.

noun, plural mas·ti·ca·to·ries.

Pharmacology. a medicinal substance to be chewed, as to promote the secretion of saliva.

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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of masticatory

From the New Latin word masticātōrius, dating back to 1605–15. See masticate, -tory¹

OTHER WORDS FROM masticatory

un·mas·ti·ca·to·ry, adjective

Words nearby masticatory

masthead, mast house, mastic, masticate, mastication, masticatory, mastiff, mastiff bat, mastigium, Mastigophora, mastigophoran

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use masticatory in a sentence

As a masticatory, it leaves an agreeable glowing heat in the mouth.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I|Arnold Cooley
With lime and the leaves of the betel-pepper, the areca-nuts when green form the celebrated masticatory of the East.
The New Gresham Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 Part 2|Various
The head contains the masticatory organs, which, frequently having to attack hard substances, must be strongly supported.
The Insect World|Louis Figuier
The masticatory organs of Arthropods were jaws disjointed at their symphysis; antennæ, nostrils turned outside in.
Form and Function|E. S. (Edward Stuart) Russell

Another important masticatory is the tobacco quid with its ingredients of lime and mu-mau juice.
The Manbos of Mindano|John M. Garvan

British Dictionary definitions for masticatory

masticatory

/ (ˈmæstɪkətərɪ, -trɪ) /

adjective

of, relating to, or adapted to chewing

noun plural -tories

obsolete a medicinal substance chewed to increase the secretion of saliva

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012